Spanish Course Descriptions

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 overall and 2.0 in Modern Languages courses is required to declare a major in Spanish.

Major in Spanish

A major in Spanish consists of the completion of at least 11 units above the 202 level in this language. A major must complete at least one one-unit course in Spanish during the senior year.

Spanish majors are required to complete a departmentally approved course of study abroad as part of their major. Appropriate periods of study include an Intensive Learning or May Term travel course, or a Summer, semester, or year abroad with a department-approved program such as ISEP or another university- sponsored program.

Spanish majors are required to complete Spanish 303, 304, 311, 312, 320, 323, 402 or 403, two additional 400-level literature courses, and two elective units to be chosen from advanced Spanish courses, History 272 or Political Science 225, and Linguistics 320 (these last three taught in English). However, no more than two courses taught in English may be applied toward the major. It is recommended that students take two 300-level units taught in Spanish before or concurrent with enrolling in a Spanish literature course. Note that Spanish 201 and 202 or their equivalent are prerequisites for all advanced courses in Spanish. For native speakers of the language, Spanish 304 will be waived as a requirement and will not count toward the major; another upper-level course unit must be substituted for Spanish 304. Students who study abroad should select, in consultation with their advisors, appropriate substitutes for these requirements. It is highly recommended that all majors planning to teach take Spanish 341 as an elective. Spanish 341 will be considered as one of the two possible courses taught in English that may be applied toward the Spanish major. Students planning to teach may satisfy their training in methods through Spanish 341.

For placement and prerequisites at the lower level, see "Modern Languages."

Minor in Spanish

A minor in Spanish consists of six units, including: Spanish 201 and 202, or two electives, Spanish 303 and 304, Spanish 311 or 312 or 313 or 315 and one elective unit to be selected from Spanish courses numbered at or above the 300 level. Each minor will be individually tailored to complement the student's interests and major field of study. A period of study abroad is highly recommended.

150 Elementary Spanish ReviewA one-semester review of the essentials of Spanish grammar and basic vocabulary to promote speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis on developing conversational skills and cultural awareness to handle topics of everyday life in Spanish. (This course is designed for students who have studied Spanish previously, but lack sufficient preparation to enter Intermediate Spanish 201.) (1) (The course number will change to 150 Spring 2010).Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 1 hr/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or the equivalent. Credit cannot be received for both SPAN 102 and SPAN 150.

201, 202 Intermediate Spanish I, IIA review of the essentials of Spanish grammar with the introduction of advanced structures. Continued development of the four essential skills, and further acquisition of vocabulary. Emphasis on conversational skills to handle situations of everyday life with increased range of personal expression. Inclusion of cultural material. (1, 1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. for each; Laboratory: 1 hr/wk. for each.Prerequisite: No prerequisite, but previous study of a modern language is recommended. (For any course above the 202 level, 201-202 or the equivalent is a prerequisite.)

The following are taught in Spanish:

303 Spanish CompositionPractice in written expression with an intensive review of Spanish grammar. Introduction to the principles of Spanish style and techniques of formal writing and translation. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.

312 Civilization and Culture: Spanish AmericaAn overview of the historical and cultural development of Spanish America from its pre-Colombian roots through the colonial era and up to contemporary times. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303, 304 or permission.

320 Introduction to Literature: SpainA study of literary works by major Spanish writers from medieval through contemporary times with a careful consideration of contexts and analysis of literary style. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: Spanish 303 and 304, or permission. Completion of Spanish 311 is recommended.

323 Introduction to Literature: Spanish AmericaA study of literary works by major Spanish-American writers from the colonial era through contemporary times with a careful consideration of contexts and an analysis of literary style. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission.

330 Commercial SpanishFundamentals of practical commercial Spanish, effective reports and letters applicable to business usage, as well as the language of advertising, foreign trade, transportation, banking, and finance. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission.

335 Spanish Phonetics and PhonologyThe theory and practice of pronunciation. A systematic analysis of the sounds of Spanish. Stress and intonation patterns of Spanish speech through phonetics transcription and intensive oral practice. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission.

340 Area Studies in Latin AmericaFocused and in-depth cultural studies on selected regions of Latin America. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission. May be repeated for credit with different content.

341 Methods of Teaching Foreign LanguagesAn evaluative study of language teaching methods. Development of teaching aids and a teacher's resource book. PreK-12 levels of instruction will be presented. Assignments will be completed in Spanish. (1) Taught in English.Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.(Cross-listed as LANG 341.)

380 Special Topics in Hispanic Life and CultureClass study of a special topic, with topic to be determined by the students and the faculty member. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission.May be repeated for credit with different content.

402 The Structure of Modern SpanishStudy of complex structures and problematic aspects of Spanish language focusing on morphology, syntax, and semantics. Emphasis is placed on direct application to composition, translation, and oral expression. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304 or permission.

403 Translation and InterpretationIntroduction to the field of professional translation and interpretation focusing on theoretical and methodological issues. Emphasis is placed on conventions, techniques, problems and best practices in translation and interpretation both from Spanish into English and from English into Spanish. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 303 and 304, or permission.

405, 406 Independent StudyGuided reading and research of a particular facet of the Spanish or Spanish-American language, literature, and culture. (1/2, 1)Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

410 Medieval and Golden Age Hispanic LiteratureClose readings of texts by writers from Spain and/or Spanish America. Emphasis on major literary styles of the period: Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 320 and 323 or permission.May be repeated for credit with different content.

416 InternshipField placement providing the student with practical experience in work areas in which Spanish is applied. These areas may include embassies, government service, international business, education, industry, and the communications media. (1)May be conducted in Spanish or English.Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.(Cross-listed as LANG 416.)

420 18th- and 19th-Century Hispanic LiteratureClose readings of texts by writers from Spain and/or Spanish America. Emphasis on major literary styles of the period: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 320 and 323 or permission.May be repeated for credit with different content.

430 20th-Century Hispanic LiteratureClose readings of texts by writers from Spain and/or Spanish America. Emphasis on major literary styles from the early part of the century up to contemporary times. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 320 and 323 or permission.May be repeated for credit with different content.

480 Advanced Studies in Hispanic Language and CultureConcentrated study of a special topic or theme of Hispanic language and/or culture as manifested in creative and historical literature, music, art, film, etc. Historical and/or national boundaries are crossed whenever the nature of the topic permits. May be repeated for credit with different content. (1)Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.Prerequisite: SPAN 320 and 323 or permission.

495, 496, 497 Honors ProjectA program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. Prerequisites: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department .A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)